20th Annual Animal Essay Contest : Save the date ! In its 20th year , we are so excited to announce the Sheri Capehart Animal Essay Contest will begin November 30th , with the release of the new questions , contest rules , and essay guidelines . Be sure to follow our Facebook page , as well as https :// arlingtontx . gov / animal / essaycontest for more information ! VIP Pets : Animals listed as VIP at Arlington Animal Services may be adopted with a reduced adoption fee , or when listed as ' VIP Rescue Only ', must be transferred to one of our approved rescue partners . Animals are listed as VIP for reasons that include the following : time in shelter , available space in shelter , senior pet over the age of 8 years , heartworm positive dogs , FIV positive cats , behavior and / or special needs of the animal or at the discretion of the Kennel Supervisor or Shelter Manager . To learn more about our approved rescue partners , visit : https :// arlingtontx . gov / rescuepartners . Special Event : Golden Paws volunteers will be hosting special events on October 14th and 28th from 1:30-3pm . The event takes place in the Community Room located inside the animal shelter at 1000 SE Green Oaks Blvd . Homemade items including fan favorite snuffle mats and pet blankets will be available ! All donations from these items are for educational programs at Arlington Animal Services . Volunteer & Foster Program : Don ' t forget , volunteers have returned to the shelter and we want you to join our program ! Online orientations for the volunteer and foster program can be found at : https :// arlingtontx . gov / animalvolunteer

Thanks to funding from Best Friends Animal Society , 10 heartworm positive dogs were able to have their heartworm treatment sponsored to their new adopted family . All dogs had their treatment given at Texas Foundation for Animal Care with a cost ranging from $ 300- $ 450 depending on the weight of the pet . Heartworm positive dogs are always listed as VIP at the shelter , and have a reduced adoption fee . Even with the reduced adoption fee , these dogs have a harder time finding their furever homes because of the added expense of this much needed heartworm treatment to cure the disease and help ensure they can live a long , happy life with their new family . We are so grateful for the partnership with Best Friends , and for the ability to help so many dogs in need . Heartworm disease is 100 % preventable by giving your dog a once a month heartworm prevention pill . You can learn more about heartworms by visiting the following site : https :// arlingtontx . gov / caninediseases